Collaborated with federal agencies to develop and implement the systems from the tribally sovereign point of view.

Next Steps

Moving forward, we will:

Establish a legal entity and propose that Oglala Sioux Tribal Council pass an ordinance to set up the OST Water, Wastewater, and Solid Waste Commission. Two possibilities for the structure of this entity are being explored, including a tribal department of public works or a tribally-chartered entity.

Fulfill key needs for the Commission, which are:

A qualified CEO

Power to manage revenues and expenditures as separate accounts for water, wastewater, and solid waste

Power to bill and collect bills from the Tribe, its programs, other entities, and individuals with collection procedures using the tribal court